Magic squares are an important part of recreational mathematics. And they can be used in mathematics education, through problem solving, explorations, investigations, even with algorithmic procedures. Magic squares, on the other hand have not been invented in western mathematics, they were known in China and certainly were passed on from Africa to Europe (Gervais, 1997). We will explain what a magic square is, which types exist, give some examples of methods to build them, and suggestions to their historical roots. Then we will solve some tasks based on magic squares and discuss the possibilities for mathematics education. Our claim is that magic squares are a rich environment to reflect on mathematics education.